Sun, Jan 30, 2022
Finds New Chief Test Pilot In Flight Test Program
Lilium has brought PHX2, one of its 5th generation technology demonstrators to the ATLAS Flight Test Center in Villacarrillo, Spain.
The center will be the new home to Lilium's test program as they take their prototype to higher speeds over longer distances, expanding the testing program beyond its birthplace's German borders.
The New Test pilot selected, Andrew Strachan, brings 3 decades of experience as an aircraft test pilot, formerly a Royal Air Force aviator and chief tester at Leonardo Helicopters. Lilium selected Strachan as a part of the test program's extension into Spain, selecting the region for its "land topology, weather, and facilities," which the company revealed in an update to investors. The Atlas Flight Test Center "provides optimal infrastructure and enables the aircraft to fly over a large, unpopulated area while transitioning fully into high-speed wing-borne flight," and its facilities, combined with the local Center for Advanced Aerospace Technologies have been "instrumental in setting Lilium up for a successful flight test campaign."
Strachan is excited about joining the project. “I’m thrilled to join Lilium at such an exciting moment in the company’s growth. As someone who has been influenced by aviation since childhood, it’s inspiring to be part of a company driving the next phase of sustainable, aeronautical technology.” The program is a good milestone in how far the aircraft has come, said Alastair McIntosh, chief technology officer: “We’re excited for this next high-speed testing phase to begin in Spain and to welcome new Chief Test Pilot Andy Strachan who is an incredible addition to the Lilium team.”
More News
Omnidirectional Approach Lighting System ODALS consists of seven omnidirectional flashing lights located in the approach area of a nonprecision runway. Five lights are located on t>[...]
"Polaris Dawn, the first of the program’s three human spaceflight missions, is targeted to launch to orbit no earlier than summer 2024. During the five-day mission, the crew >[...]
Also: 1800th E-Jet, Uncle Sam Sues For Landing Gear, Embraer Ag Plane, Textron Parts A friend of the family reported that Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard Glenn Rutan flew west on Friday, M>[...]
Also: Virgin Galactic, B-29 Doc to Allentown, Erickson Fire-Fighters Bought, FAA Reauthorization After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to disco>[...]
“Our aircrews are trained and capable of rapidly shifting from operational missions to humanitarian roles. We planned to demonstrate how we, and our BORSTAR partners, respond>[...]